A UK Yachtmaster instructor seriously injured by a handheld flare is reported to be in a stable condition. The 51-year-old man was rushed to hospital last week after a white handheld flare exploded in his hand and entered his abdomen. He suffered broken bones, burns and severe internal injuries that required 18 pints of blood.

The man's wife and daughter are with him at the hospital, where he will undergo further surgery tonight. According to the vascular surgeon the internal bleeding is under control, but there is a long way to go yet.

The flare's manufacturer, Pains Wessex, is recalling two batches of its White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flare, which the company says could malfunction with a risk of personal injury. The flares have been distributed in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Holland, France and Italy, and the lot numbers are 2045 and 2046. The flare is sold on its own and is also contained in the Collision Warn-Off Kit and the ORC RORC Distress Kit.

If you own a Pains Wessex white collision flare, please check its lot number, which is ink-jetted on the tube. If yours is from one of the above batches, please return it to the place of purchase. If this is not possible, call Pains Wessex, tel: 02392 623962.

FURTHER INFORMATION: PAINS WESSEX have released the following Product Recall Safety Notice:

It has come to our attention that a batch of this product could malfunction with a risk of personal injury. As a responsible company Pains Wessex are recalling a number of their White Collision Warning (MK7) Hand Flares.

The Lot Numbers of the batches we wish to recall are 2045 and 2046. This number can be found ink-jetted on the tube of the flare.

No other Pains Wessex products are being recalled.

The Pains Wessex White Collision Warning (MK 7) Hand Flare is sold on its own and are also contained as a part of the Collision Warn-Off Kit and the ORC RORC Distress Kit.

Please check if you have a flare with either Lot Number. If so, do not use it but return it immediately to the place of purchase where it will be replaced.

If you are unable to return to it to the place of purchase, please take to your nearest chandler, or telephone Pains Wessex + 44(0)2392 623962 or e-mail recall@pwss.com

ORC RORC Distress Kit - Pains Wessex

Collision Warn Off Kit - Pains Wessex

by Pains Wessex - 5:37 AM Tue 18 Apr 2006 GMT

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